IFA Chairman joins Franchise Council of Australia in opposing state-based franchise legislation

In an address to Australian franchise executives representing the Franchise Council of Australia , the new Chairman of the International Franchising Association (IFA), Jack Earl, has added his voice to the growing opposition to the Abetz and Piccolo private member bills proposed in Western and South Australia.

Mr Earl said that he could not understand the logic of proposing the introduction of these bills, which are currently subject to parliamentary inquiries, when there was an existing national regulatory regime in place.

Australia is fortunate, Mr Earl stated, to have only one compliance regime and should work to keep it that way.

“This new legislation would be a backward step for the Australian sector and I am happy to add my voice to those who are strongly opposing the new changes,” Mr Earl commented.

Mr Earl spoke to the Australian delegation of 48 franchise executives at the IFA Convention held earlier this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Franchise Council of Australia sends a delegation to the event every year, with record numbers attending this year.

The Australian delegation was also addressed by the former Chairman of the IFA and highly respected franchisee, Lawrence Cohen.

Mr Cohen said that he too was concerned about the Abetz and Piccolo bills, stating “I don’t see how that can be good for franchisees - or anybody in the sector.”

The International Franchising Association is the world’s largest franchising representative body, representing over 1,100 franchise networks, mostly based in the USA, but many with a global presence.